I still remember my first experience with waxing; it was a classic case of miscommunication. Instead of the subtle bikini line touch-up I thought I requested, I ended up with what my friend humorously dubbed “full baby.” While the smoothness was refreshing, I couldn’t shake the odd sensation that I was perpetually diapering myself. Gone was the worry of hair escaping my bathing suit, but I felt oddly unbalanced when I caught my reflection; my body seemed to lack definition without that familiar tuft of hair. It was as if I was gazing at a town where a beloved landmark had vanished overnight, leaving everyone puzzled about what had changed.
Over time, I’ve navigated my grooming preferences, mostly sticking to minimal perimeter maintenance while occasionally opting for Brazilian waxes. I’ve gone as far as to flip over for full coverage (surprisingly not as uncomfortable as I expected). Ultimately, I have no stance on what women “should” do with their bodies; they should feel free to choose whatever makes them comfortable without external pressures from partners, friends, or the media.
As bathing suit season rolls around again, so do the unsolicited recommendations about hair removal. Some will insist that sugaring is superior to waxing or that shaving is dangerous. Others will claim that a lack of grooming might make you look uncivilized. However, I’m here to share that I haven’t spent a dime on hair removal this year—not due to any political stance, but simply out of laziness. Plus, I’ve been to the beach, and my thick, dark hair hasn’t been a problem.
With a few handy tips, you can also save time and money that would otherwise go towards grooming, allowing you to focus on what truly matters, like lounging in the sun with a generous layer of baby oil and sunscreen.
Tip #1: Invest in Clippers
I use a Lady Remington clipper—though it’s lavender, it’s fundamentally just an updated beard trimmer. On the closest setting, it takes me about five minutes to tidy up the area without any risk of injury, keeping everything neatly within the lines of my swimwear.
Tip #2: Shave Your Legs—If Necessary
Being of pale skin with dark hair means my legs can look a bit wild. I shave my lower legs consistently and use shaving cream on my thighs during summer months. Just remember, there’s no need to shave higher than where you might want a thigh gap—trust me, bumps and irritation can ensue if you go too far. I prefer using a quality razor, far removed from the disposable options that led to past grooming disasters.
Tip #3: Choose Retro Swimwear
I opt for bathing suit bottoms with a more classic cut, which I find both comfortable and flattering. They also do a great job of minimizing any hair exposure in the inner thigh area. If you prefer a skirted look, those are equally adorable and effective.
Tip #4: Stylish Cover-Ups
Do you have a stylish sarong or a chic pareo that you can tie around your hips at the beach? Those beach cover-ups that fall mid-thigh can be both fashionable and functional, hiding any unwanted hair while keeping you sun-safe. If vintage is your style, why not embrace a full-coverage bathing costume that harkens back to the Victorian era? It’s far more appealing than spending a small fortune on a painful waxing session.
If these tips seem like too much effort, I encourage you to embrace your natural state. After all, there’s a growing trend of being au naturel, with many women proudly showcasing their hair. Even those who regularly opt for waxing are beginning to embrace the full-bush look.
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In summary, grooming your bikini line can be as simple or as involved as you choose. With a few straightforward strategies, you can enjoy the summer without the added stress of hair removal.